Shooter training system for improved accuracy and speed

ABSTRACT

A system for improving the speed and accuracy of shot on a hockey goal based upon feedback of the shot and the target report. An analogue sensor assembly records the number of hits and their speed and also displays the results with an LED based counter. This practice tool can, with repetition, increase the ability of the trainee to aim for the optimum location for scoring goals in hockey and other sports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a training tool for various sports and more particularly to a training system for hockey players. This training tool is similar in intent to inventions by Pelz. Repetition combined with aiming strategies and specific feedback systems prepare the body and mind to produce improved performance at specific tasks.

In the sport of golf, putting is particularly important for producing low scoring rounds. In hockey high scoring rates are deemed desirable and such scoring can be achieved with accurate shooting at high puck speed.

In the game of hockey, the single most important shot is to either side of the goalie close to the goal post. This is the most likely place to shoot the puck to score the goal. Therefore, proficiency at shooting the puck at either side of the net with a high degree of precision is likely to produce more goals for the player.

Any player who can consistently shoot the puck at the narrow region between the goalie and the goal post will have a greater chance of scoring on a regular basis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a target sensor system with immediate feedback by both visual and auditory means. Impact sensors are positioned at the two sides of the goal and are connected to a brightly lit LED number counter. The impact of the puck to the sensor is automatically counted and displayed. The impact also triggers a horn or other sound production system to provide an auditory signal to the player.

The impact sensor is equipped with temporal information. This enables the sensor to register the speed of the puck at impact. This information is displayed as velocity in units of miles per hour. The counter makes a one second display of the velocity and then returns to the counting mode registering the number of strikes in the current training session.

The invention and its objects will be more readily understood from the following specification and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the goal, sensor system and display register.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a first embodiment of the complete goal and feedback system is shown in perspective. A typical hockey goal is roughly six feet wide and four feet high. The LED control/display assembly is shown as number 2 in FIG. 1. The sensor panels that register a strike and record velocity data are shown hanging from the top post of the goal and are labeled 1 in FIG. 1.

The sensor panels may be fastened to the side post at various locations to limit the pendulum-like swinging of the sensor pads. The LED control/display assembly is mounted to an existing goal via tube bolts and wing nuts as shown as number 4 in FIG. 2. The U-tube bolts are connected to the scoreboard mounting bracket (number 3, FIG. 2). This feature allows for the system to be quickly mounted and dismounted in minutes without any tools.

The 2 digit LED scoreboard (number 2, FIG. 2) receives its signal from the sensor pad through the sensor cable (number 6, FIG. 2). The electronics are housed in the control box as identified by number 7, FIG. 2. The assembly is protected from damage by high speed pucks with ⅜″ thick clear Lexan shown as number 5 in FIG. 2.

The audible signal generator identified as number 1 in FIG. 2 is mounted on the side of the control box unit and protected behind the Lexan shield.

It will be appreciated that the similar effects can be achieved in other sport training systems. The same system can easily be associated with Soccer, Lacrosse and Basketball. The same concept for training is easy to envision for Soccer and Lacrosse. The sensor panels may be larger or configured differently to suit the dimensions of the goals in separate sports. Other changes may be made in keeping within the scope of the invention. 

1. A device for registering and tabulating the number of strikes against a sensor plate attached to a goal. The system consists of a sensor, a counter, a digital readout, an audible signal and a velocity sensor.
 2. A claim according to claim 1 where the goal is a hockey goal.
 3. A claim according to claim 1 where the goal is a lacrosse goal.
 4. A claim according to claim 1 where the goal is a soccer goal.
 5. A claim according to claim 1 where the goal is a basketball goal.
 6. A claim according to claim 1 where the LED digital readout reports the velocity of the projectile striking the sensor plate.
 7. A claim according to claim 6 where the tone of the audible signaling device changes its tone when a threshold velocity is detected.
 8. A claim according to claim 1 where the system is assembled with U-tube bolts and wing nuts.
 9. A claim according to claim 1 where the system contains a port for recharging the battery in the electronics control box.
 10. A claim according to claim 1 where the system is turned on and off by a remote control device. 